Let’s Be More Like Elephants
To be a baby elephant must be wonderful. Surrounded by a loving family 24 hours a day... I think it must be how it ought to be, in a perfect world. Daphne Sheldrick
©kathykarn
Today is World Elephant Day. This year’s theme is “Be More Like Elephants”. Here are some life lessons I’ve witnessed from observing elephants in the wild over the years that I believe we could all benefit from.
©kathykarn
1. Stay open, stay curious. Curiosity is a sign of open-mindedness and an antidote to judgment and criticism. When we are curious there is room for innovation and creativity.
A young calf is fascinated by a group of cattle egrets ©kathykarn
2. It takes a village to raise a child. Caring relationships in community teach compassion and empathy. A secure attachment in childhood is the best predictor of resilience and recovery from trauma later in life.
Baby elephants are never alone. Nannies, siblings and cousins help raise a calf ©kathykarn
3. Play. Joyful experimentation encourages creativity. It fuels the imagination and reduces stress.
Baby orphan elephants at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary are as playful as a pack of puppies ©kathykarn
4. Be Patient. Patience increases tolerance and empathy It facilitates calm, which in turn cultivates a sense of safety and trust. These conditions are optimal for learning and development.
Mama and calf ©kathykarn
5. Join a community – find your herd.
We long to be seen. Community combats loneliness. It builds self-esteem and confidence.
Elephant Clan Amboseli National Park ©kathykarn
6. Share your grief and loss.
When we acknowledge our pain and the pain of others healing is possible.
Elephants experience grief and show love and compassion ©kathykarn
7. Be kind.
Caring is the chemistry of hope and the mechanism for change. Give help and assistance where needed. When in doubt ask yourself, what is the kindest response I could give?
An adult female acts as a crossing guard while her family crosses safely behind her ©kathykarn
8. Be a good steward.
Elephants take care of each other and the environment. When we are good stewards of nature, nature takes care of us.
Elephants are known as the Gardeners of Eden ©kathykarn
Today as we celebrate World Elephant Day I salute the conservation heroes and communities who are working tirelessly to protect elephants and the habitats they need to coexist with local communities. Elephants are keystone species. When elephants are eliminated from the ecosystem everything and everyone suffers. We are all connected, when we save nature we save ourselves.
Orphan elephant and keeper David Sheldrick Trust Nairobi Nursery ©kathykarn
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